Toyota Owners 400: Richmond Predictions

With the Sprint cup series heading to Richmond this weekend many fans and fantasy owners are skeptical about which driver to put in their five-driver lineup. Short tracks are usually plagued with unpredictability, short tempers, and surprise winners. With that being said I believe this weekend predictability is everyone’s best chance, when picking their drivers. Here are my five picks for the weekend.

Hendrick Motorsports: The 2013 season has offered up four different winners in eight races this season, but has offered up two different winners from the same team on short tracks.  Kasey Kahne won the race at Bristol and Jimmie Johnson dominated the race at Martinsville. Kane and Johnson have led a combined total of 454 laps. If you’re looking for someone to stay out front all night and have a chance at winning, Hendrick is your best shot.

Kyle Busch: Let’s be honest, Kyle Busch is the man to beat at Richmond on Saturday night. Busch has won the last four spring races at Richmond and has an average finish of 5.4 at the track. In all of Kyle Busch’s wins at Richmond in the last four years he has led a combined total of 546 laps. If you don’t make him a pick on Saturday night, I promise you will regret it.

Clint Bowyer: Behind Kyle Busch, Clint Bowyer has been the most consistent driver at Richmond with an average finish of 9.5. Clint Bowyer has also not finished outside the top 10 at Richmond since signing with team owner Michael Waltrip making him a solid pick for this weekend’s race.

Kurt Busch: I know this is a long shot and I know I may be criticized for picking this driver, but Kurt Busch, with an average finish of 17.5, shouldn’t be passed up at this short track. Busch actually won a race at Richmond back in 2005. I see Richmond as the great equalizer for drivers like Busch to have a good finish.

Danica Patrick: Ok now for my wild card pick. The one person that you usually have to pick because you either don’t have enough fantasy points to pick higher or the fantasy game forces you to pick a rookie. Danica Patrick hasn’t finished in the top 10 since Daytona, but short tracks seem to be her strong suit so far. She finished 28th at Bristol and finished 12th at Martinsville. Don’t expect Danica to win on Saturday, but don’t be surprised if she finishes in the top 25 this week.

I hope everyone enjoys the race this weekend. Who do you think will win at Richmond? Can Kyle Busch win five in a row? How do you think Dale Jr. will do this weekend? Please write me in the comments below and give me your opinion.